RFNuclear Sensor Basics and Types
This article covers the basics and different types of Nuclear Sensors. In addition to Nuclear sensors, links to basics and types of other sensors are also mentioned.
What are Nuclear Sensors?
Introduction:
As we know, alpha, beta, gamma, and neutrons are the most common ionizing radiations. High-level exposure of such radiations to human beings can cause various diseases, including cancers. The sensors used to monitor and measure nuclear radiation levels are known as nuclear sensors .
Workers in nuclear power plants are exposed to different types of radiation. These radiations are regularly recorded and monitored in order to keep the radiations within safe limits.
Figure 1: Penetration Power of Nuclear Radiations
Figure 1 depicts the Penetration Power of Nuclear Radiations such as alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray, neutrons etc. through human hand, aluminum, thin and thicker leads, concrete etc.
Nuclear sensors ensure the safety of nuclear power plant workers as well as people living in the neighborhood.
Nuclear Sensor Types
Figure 2: Gamma sensor from First Sensor Inc.
Figure 2 depicts a Gamma sensor from First Sensor Inc.
Nuclear sensors are categorized into nuclear particle sensors and solid-state sensors. Solid-state radiation detectors are divided into two types: scintillator-based and direct absorption-based detectors.
- Nuclear particle sensors: These use tubes and chambers for nuclear particle detection.
- Solid-state sensors: These directly convert incident radiation into electric current using various materials such as germanium, silicon, cadmium zinc telluride, etc. These sensors offer high energy resolutions, making them popular for the detection of the exact amount of radiation energy. Silicon PIN photodiodes are also used for detecting alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray radiations.
